FRSA has published its submission to the Department of Social Services’ consultation – A new approach to programs for families and children.
The department’s consultation paper proposes a single national program to replace five flagship programs funded under the Families and Children (FaC) Activity: Family and Relationship Services, Specialised Family Violence Services, Family Mental Health Support Services, Child and Parenting Support and Communities for Children – Facilitating Partners.
FRSA’s submission urges the government to:
- build on the successes of the five in-scope programs
- ensure reforms are evidence-informed, with service mapping and needs analysis made publicly available
- acknowledge and incorporate the diversity of families in modern Australia in program design
- recognise the role of community and community-centred approaches in building protective factors for bringing up safe and strong children and young people
- maintain a diverse service system where value for small, medium and large providers is respected and enabled across rural, regional and metropolitan locations
- ensure adequate time and funding is provided for transitional arrangements.
The department’s consultation is now closed, and the findings of the consultation are expected to be released in early 2026. Read the full submission.
